2017 Vauxhall Astra BTCC
Starting next season, Power Maxed Racing will field
a racing version of the new Vauxhall Astra in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car
Championship – one of the most competitive tin-top racing series in the world.
Details of the vehicle itself are still forthcoming,
but the entry would appear to be based closely on the Astra TCR that Vauxhall's German sister brand Opel launched last year. The BTCC, goes by the Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) regulations, not the
Touring Car Racer (TCR) specs, so certain modifications will inevitably be
required. But since both are closely production-based and center around
2.0-liter turbo engines producing upwards of 300 horsepower, they wouldn't seem
to be prohibitive.
The new Astra will have to contend with
competition-spec versions of the Honda Civic, Toyota Avensis, Ford Focus, Chevy
Cruze, Volkswagen CC, Audi S3, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class, MG6, and Proton
Persona to reclaim its former glory.
The partnership with Power Maxed Racing will see
parent company Automotive Brands using Vauxhall vehicles in its
parts-distribution operation as well, helping to reach fleet operators running
some 25,000 commercial vehicles across the UK.
